LANSING – State Representative Marie Donigan (D-Royal Oak) today was named Vice-Chair of the Great Lakes & Environment Committee for the 94th Legislature, which is making job creation, reducing the cost of health care and expanding educational opportunities its top priorities.
"Many tourists visit our state to boat, fish and enjoy our beaches," Donigan said. "It is vital that we protect Michigan's Great Lakes and other waterways not only to attract tourists, but to preserve them for future generations."
Donigan also will serve on the Ethics & Elections Committee, Health Policy Committee and the Transportation Committee.
On Tuesday, Donigan introduced the Drug Fair-Pricing Act, which would allow Michigan to enter into a drug bulk-buying program.
"I take my assignment on the Health Policy Committee very seriously," Donigan said. "Lowering the cost of prescription drugs is one of my top legislative priorities."
Donigan also praised Beaumont Hospital, the largest employer in her district, for pioneering state-of-the-art biotechnology and medicine, which attracts doctors from all over the world to train and work at the hospital.
"The innovations made by Beaumont Hospital are the perfect example of the kind of emerging technology that will create jobs and shape health care in the 21st century," Donigan said.
She added that in addition to studying traffic congestion and its affect on Michigan roads, she plans to focus on improving mass transit, as well.
"I intend to work with the Chair of the Transportation Committee to form a Public Transit Sub-Committee," Donigan said. "For too long, transit has been on the backburner. And while our road infrastructure is very important, improved public transit is a key part of the multi-tiered effort to bring jobs and economic development to Michigan."